This article is based on an official press release from B&H Worldwide.

B&H Worldwide Completes Critical Delivery of H145 Rescue Helicopters to New Zealand

Aerospace logistics specialist B&H Worldwide has successfully managed the complex international transport of two Airbus H145 rescue helicopters from Switzerland to New Zealand. According to an official announcement released on January 6, 2026, the delivery marks a significant milestone in the fleet renewal program for the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust and operator GCH Aviation.

The operation involved a multi-leg journey spanning thousands of miles, requiring specialized handling to meet strict biosecurity and safety standards. These new aircraft are set to replace the aging BK117 fleet, bringing advanced avionics and improved safety features to emergency medical services (HEMS) and search and rescue (SAR) operations across New Zealand’s South Island.

Executing a Complex Global Supply Chain

The logistics of moving rotary-wing aircraft requires precision planning to prevent damage to sensitive components and ensure compliance with international transport regulations. B&H Worldwide, which specializes in aerospace logistics, oversaw the entire supply chain for this project.

The journey began at the Rega Center in Zurich, Switzerland. From there, the helicopters were transported by road to Frankfurt, Germany. The long-haul leg of the journey was conducted via air freight on a Boeing 747 freighter, which routed through Hong Kong before landing in Auckland, New Zealand.

Upon arrival in Auckland, the aircraft underwent strict biosecurity checks to meet New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) standards. The final leg involved road transport to the GCH Aviation Air Rescue Base in Christchurch. B&H Worldwide managed the specialist crating, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and final mile delivery.

Lee Hedges, Branch Manager for New Zealand at B&H Worldwide, highlighted the company’s role in the operation:

“This project demonstrates the capability and agility of B&H Worldwide in handling highly specialized aerospace movements. By managing the complex logistics, we enabled GCH Aviation to focus on the technical aspects of the helicopter’s preparation and reassembly.”

Modernizing New Zealand’s Air Rescue Fleet

The delivery of these two H145 helicopters is part of a broader initiative to standardize and upgrade the air rescue capabilities in the Canterbury, West Coast, Nelson, and Marlborough regions. The fleet responds to over 1,700 missions annually, operating in some of the country’s most challenging alpine and coastal terrains.

The Airbus H145 is a twin-engine light utility helicopter favored for its performance in high-altitude and hot climates. Key upgrades over the previous fleet include:

• Helionix Avionics Suite: A 3-screen digital cockpit with a 4-axis autopilot to reduce pilot workload.
• Enhanced Safety: A Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and high-set main rotor to improve safety for ground crews.
• Night Operations: Full compatibility with Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
• Mission Capability: “Auto-hover” technology essential for winching operations and a larger cabin for medical equipment.

Declan Smiddy, CEO of GCH Aviation, emphasized the operational benefits of the new aircraft:

“The arrival of the H145 represents a significant step forward in our commitment to strengthening air rescue and emergency medical services in New Zealand. The efficiency and expertise of B&H Worldwide ensured the helicopter’s smooth journey from Europe to our facility.”

AirPro News Analysis

The successful delivery of these assets underscores the critical nature of specialized logistics in the aerospace sector. Unlike standard freight, rescue helicopters contain sensitive avionics and calibration equipment that can be easily compromised by improper handling or temperature fluctuations during transit. By utilizing a combination of road and nose-loading freighter aircraft (like the Boeing 747), logistics providers can minimize handling risks.

Furthermore, the biosecurity aspect of this delivery is particularly notable for New Zealand. The country maintains some of the strictest bio-protection laws in the world to protect its agricultural economy. Logistics providers must ensure that crating materials and the cargo itself are free of contaminants before entry, adding a layer of regulatory complexity to an already difficult physical move.

Future Outlook

This delivery is part of a purchase of four H145 helicopters intended to standardize the fleet across the upper South Island. The first aircraft arrived in August 2025 and entered service in December 2025. With the arrival of these two additional units in January 2026, the fleet renewal is nearing completion, with a final aircraft and flight simulator expected later in the year.

Christine Prince, CEO of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, noted the impact on the community:

“The arrival of the Airbus H145 helicopters represents a significant upgrade in capability and reliability… Once fully commissioned, the aircraft will support emergency medical… missions across the Canterbury, West Coast, Nelson and Marlborough regions.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What helicopters were delivered to New Zealand?

Two Airbus H145 rescue helicopters were delivered. They are twin-engine aircraft equipped with advanced avionics and rescue hoists.

Who managed the logistics for the delivery?

B&H Worldwide, a specialist aerospace logistics company, managed the transport from Switzerland to New Zealand.

Which organization will operate the new helicopters?

The helicopters will be operated by GCH Aviation (Garden City Helicopters) on behalf of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust.

Why are the H145 helicopters significant?

They replace the aging BK117 fleet, offering better safety features, night vision compatibility, and auto-hover capabilities for difficult rescue missions.

Sources

B&H Worldwide